Variable-tension exercise apparatus and related conditioning method

ABSTRACT

A movable sled configured to be pushed by a user having a frame member, a ground engaging mechanism coupled to the frame member, and at least one elastic member coupled on a first end to the frame member and configured to be coupled to a user on a second end. Wherein, as the user moves the frame along the underlying surface the elastic member provides resistance to the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/640,291 filed on Mar. 8, 2018, the disclosure ofwhich being incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to an exercise apparatus for athleticconditioning, and more specifically to a movable exercise apparatus thatutilizes variable resistance.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Current conditioning devices exist wherein an athlete engages the deviceby standing directly behind the device and applying a forward forcethereto. These devices are commonly referred to as weighted or exercisesleds. A sled is designed to be movable in a forward direction whileapplying frictional resistance generated between the bottom of the sledand the underlying surface. The sled is often configured to be movableon natural surfaces such as grass, dirt, gravel, snow, clay, or thelike. However, sleds may also be configured to work on exercise surfacesthat are common in workout facilities, such as turf, cement, rubber, orthe like.

The sled has a region that accepts weights. The weights are often in theform of weight plates of the type intended for use with adjustablebarbells or dumbbells. Weights can be added or removed from the sled tochange the frictional resistance generated between the sled and theunderlying surface. The more weights added to the sled, the higher thefrictional resistance between the sled and the underlying surface andthereby the more difficult it is for the athlete to move the sled.

Sleds often have one or more grip locations where the athlete may gripthe sled as it is moved along the underlying surface. The multiple griplocations allow the athlete to select a grip location that allowsspecialized workout routines that focus on a particular muscle groups.

Once the sled is configured for the athlete's exercise goals, theathlete will propel the sled forward at varying speeds and intervaldistances, thereby allowing the frictional resistance of the sled tofatigue or otherwise strain the athlete's muscles. The frictionalresistance generated between the sled and the underlying surface issubstantially consistent as the athlete moves the sled there along.Accordingly, contemporary sleds require the athlete to increase thefrictional resistance of the sled by adding weights thereto to implementa more strenuous workout routine. Adding constant resistance through thefriction between the sled and the underlying surface in such a manner;however, creates a form of tension and strain on the athlete's musclethat is not ideal for athletic conditioning. Further, the constantresistance implemented by the frictional resistance of on over-weightedsled exposes the user to injury. Lastly, over-weighted sleds increasethe risk of damage to the underlying surface.

SUMMARY

One embodiment is a movable sled configured to be pushed by a user, thesled having a frame member, a ground engaging mechanism coupled to theframe member, and at least one elastic member coupled on a first end tothe frame member and configured to be coupled to a user on a second end.Wherein, as the user moves the frame along the underlying surface theelastic member provides resistance to the user.

In one example of this embodiment, an adjustable member is coupled tothe frame, wherein the elastic member is coupled to the frame memberthrough the adjustable member. In one aspect of this example, theadjustable member repositions the elastic member away from the groundengaging mechanism. In another aspect of this example, the adjustablemember repositions the elastic member widthwise relative to the framemember. In yet another aspect of this example, the adjustable memberextends from the frame member at an angle between 85 degrees and 45degrees.

Another example of this embodiment has at least one grip bar coupled tothe frame and extending perpendicular therefrom. Wherein the grip bar ispositioned to allow the user to move the frame member by applying apushing force to the grip bar.

In another aspect of this example, the ground engaging mechanism is askid plate.

Yet another example of this embodiment includes at least one weightcoupler coupled to the frame member and configured to position aweighted plate thereon.

In another example, the second end of the elastic member has a loopsized to be positioned around a user's leg.

Another embodiment includes a sled workout system with a sled frameassembly having a ground engaging mechanism positioned thereon andconfigured to move along an underlying surface, a first and secondelastic member coupled to the sled frame assembly on a first end andconfigured to be coupled to legs of a user on a second end, and a grippoint on the sled frame assembly positioned to allow a user to push thesled frame assembly along the underlying surface through contact at thegrip point. Wherein, as the user moves the sled frame assembly along theunderlying surface, the first and second elastic member provideadditional resistance to the legs of the user.

In one example of this embodiment, the first and second elastic membersare coupled to the sled frame assembly through an adjustable member,wherein the adjustable member is repositionable to reposition the firstends of the first and second elastic member relative to the sled frameassembly. In one aspect of this example, the adjustable member isrepositionable to reposition the first ends of the first and secondelastic member away from the ground engaging mechanisms. In anotheraspect of this example, the adjustable member is repositionable toreposition the first ends of the first and second elastic member awayfrom one another. In yet another aspect of this example, the first andsecond elastic members are removable and configured to exert adjustableloads on the user by substituting elastic members of higher or lowerresistance. Yet another aspect of this example includes a handleassembly removably coupled to the sled frame assembly. In one aspect ofthis example, said handle assembly further comprises a plurality ofhandles coupled to the frame member.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes an athleticconditioning method having the steps of providing a sled having a frame,at least one ground engaging mechanism, at least one grip bar, and afirst and second resistance member coupled to the frame, instructing auser to couple the first resistance member to the user's first leg andto couple the second resistance member to the user's second leg,instructing the user to grab the grip bar, instructing the user to movesaid frame by exerting an applied force on the frame through the gripbar, and positioning the first and second resistance member to resistmovement of the user's first and second leg away from the sled frame.

One example of this embodiment includes providing an adjustable memberand coupling the first and second resistance member to the frame throughthe adjustable member. One aspect of this example includes adjusting theheight of the adjustable member to correlate with a knee height of theuser.

Another example includes adjusting the width of the adjustable member tocorrelate with a hip width of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure and the manner ofobtaining them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself willbe better understood by reference to the following description of theembodiments of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of an exercise apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an exerciseapparatus with weights positioned thereon; and

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 with the weightsremoved.

Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate correspondingparts throughout the several views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the preciseforms in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments arechosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciateand understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, one non-exclusive embodiment of an exerciseapparatus 100 is illustrated. More specifically, the exercise apparatus100 may have a frame member 108 coupled to ground engaging mechanisms112, 113. The ground engaging mechanisms can be any type of deviceconfigured to allow a frame to move along an underlying surface 120. Inthis embodiment, the ground engaging mechanisms 112, 113 may be skidplates or other similar components configured to allow the frame member108 to slide along the underlying surface 120.

While skid plates have been specifically shown and described for groundengaging mechanisms, this disclosure is not limited to such aconfiguration. For example, wheels or tracks could also be coupled tothe frame 108 to provide the ground engaging mechanisms describedherein. Accordingly, this disclosure contemplates many differentembodiments for a ground engaging mechanism.

The frame member 108 may comprise a first and second cross member 122,124 that extend between the ground engaging mechanisms 112, 113. Thefirst and second cross members 122, 124 may align the ground engagingmechanisms 112, 113 to be parallel to one another. Further, a support126 may extend between the first and second cross members 122, 124 at amiddle point between the ground engaging mechanisms 112, 113. In onenon-exclusive embodiment the support 126 may also have a ground engagingmechanism such as a skid plate coupled thereto. While one support 126 isshown and described herein, any number of supports can be used, and thisdisclosure is not limited to the single support shown and describedherein but rather considers additional supports at different locationsas well.

In one aspect of this disclosure, a first and second grip bar 110, 111may be removably coupled to the second cross member 124. The grip bars110, 111 may provide a location for a user to grip the exerciseapparatus 100 to provide a pushing force in a forward direction 128. Inone non-limiting example, the grip bars 110, 111 may extendperpendicularly away from the second cross member 124 to provide aplurality of different grip locations along the corresponding grip bar110, 111. A person skilled in the relevant art understands thatproviding multiple grip locations along the grip bars 110, 111 allowsthe user to push the exercise apparatus 100 with their body in differentorientations relative to the exercise apparatus 100. In thisconfiguration, the user can pick a grip location that corresponds withthe muscle group the user intends to be the focus of the workoutsession.

In one non-limiting example, the grip bars 110, 111 may also be sized toallow a conventional weight to be positioned thereon. More specifically,the outer diameter of the grip bars 110, 111 may be smaller than astandard sized through-hole for a conventional weight. In thisconfiguration, the through-hole of the weights may be aligned with oneof the grip bars 110, 111 and the weight may be slid thereon.Accordingly, in one aspect of this disclosure, weights can be added tothe grip bars 110, 111 to provide increased resistance to the user.

Similarly, a weight coupler 130 may be coupled to the support 126 toprovide an additional location to add weights to the exercise apparatus100. Similar to the grip bars 110, 111, the weight coupler 130 may besized to receive a conventional weight there around. In thisconfiguration, the user can add weights to either the grip bars 110, 111or the weight coupler 130 to increase the resistance of the exerciseapparatus 100.

A person having skill in the art understands that a weight coupler canbe positioned anywhere along the frame member 108. More specifically,altering both the location and amount of weight on the exerciseapparatus 100 may change the resistance experienced by the user.Accordingly, this disclosure considers locating a weight coupler on anyportion of the frame member 108 or the exercise apparatus 100 overall tocreate additionally variable workout configurations.

In one aspect of this disclosure, an adjustable member 105 may becoupled to the frame member 108. The adjustable member 105 may becoupled to the support 126 of the frame member 108. The adjustablemember 105 may be substantially T-shaped and provide a first and secondcoupling location 106, 107 thereon. The adjustable member 105 mayfurther have a central segment 132 that is selectively coupled to asupport tube 134. Further, the support tube 134 may be coupled to theframe member 108.

In one aspect of the adjustable member 105, the central segment 132 maybe telescopically received by the support tube 134 to orient the firstand second coupling locations 106, 107 a plurality of distances from theframe member 108. A clamping mechanism, pin, or other coupling devicecan be utilized to selectively couple the central segment 132 to thesupport tube 134 in various configurations. In one non-exclusiveexample, the central segment 132 may slide along the support tube 134until the first and second coupling locations 106, 107 are positioned atabout the knee height of the user. In other words, the adjustable member105 is repositionable to accommodate users of various heights.

In one non exclusive example, the central segment 132 may slide abouteighteen inches along the support tube 134 in one inch increments. Asdescribed above, this adjustability allows for varying heights ofdifferent athletes, and also allows for the user to modify the height ofthe corresponding point of contact at which elastic members 142, 144 areattached to the user's lower extremity. By vertically adjusting theadjustable member 105, a more neutral angle may be achieved for thedirection of force exerted on the user by the elastic members 142, 144.

In another aspect of this disclosure, the adjustable member 105 may alsohave a first side segment 136 and a second side segment 138 slidablycoupled to the central segment 132. In this configuration, the firstside segment 136 can slide towards and away from the second side segment138. Similarly, the second side segment 138 can slide towards and awayfrom the first side segment 136. A clamping mechanism, pin, or othercoupling device can be utilized to selectively couple the first andsecond side segments 136, 138 to the central segment 132 in variousconfigurations. Accordingly, the first and second side segments 136, 138may be selectively coupled to the central segment 132 to provide aplurality of coupling location widths 140. In one aspect of thisdisclosure, the coupling location width 140 may be varied to accommodateusers having different width hips. In yet another aspect of thisdisclosure, the coupling location width 140 may be varied to isolatedifferent muscle groups of the user.

In one aspect of this disclosure, the support tube 134 may be positionedat an angle 109 relative to the support 126. More specifically, thesupport tube 134 may be angled towards the forward direction 128 inorder to increase the clearance between the user's knees and theadjustable member 105. In one aspect of this disclosure, a user mayplace one hand on each of the grip bars 110, 111 and push the exerciseapparatus in the forward direction 128. In this situation, the user'sknees may become positioned partially between the grip bars 110, 111 andtowards the adjustable member 105. Accordingly, by coupling theadjustable member 105 to the support at the angle 109, additionalclearance may be provided for the user's knees.

The angle 109 of the support tube 134 relative to the support 126 is notmeant to be limiting. However, in one example, the angle 109 may bebetween about 65 and 85 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle 109may be about 75 degrees. Further still, in other embodiments the angle109 is 90 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the angle may be less than65 degrees. Accordingly, many different angles 109 are consideredherein.

A first and second elastic member 142, 144 may be coupled to therespective first and second coupling location 106, 107 of the adjustablemember 105. The elastic members 142, 144 may have a loop 146 or othercoupling mechanism positioned on the end opposite the coupling location106, 107. The loop 146 may be sized to receive a portion of a user's legtherein. Further, in one embodiment the loop may be adjustable to fit aplurality of leg sizes and become positioned at a plurality of differentlocations along the user's leg. In one non-limiting example, the loops146 may utilize Velcro or the like to become adjustably coupled to theuser's leg.

The elastic members 142, 144 may also have a length sized to correspondwith the positioning of a user when pushing the exercise apparatus 100.In other words, the elastic members 142, 144 may be sized to ensure thatthe elastic member 142, 144 is under tension at some point during theuser's stride when pushing the exercise apparatus 100. As the userpushes the exercise apparatus 100, the user's legs may transition from aclose position to the corresponding coupling location 106, 107 to a farposition relative thereto. The elastic members 142, 144 may be sized sothat the elastic member 142, 144 is in tension at least when the user'scorresponding leg is in the far position. In other words, the elasticmembers 142, 144 are sized to at least partially resist the user'scorresponding leg moving away from the adjustable member 105.

In one aspect of this disclosure, the elastic members 142, 144 may havea variable length. In this configuration, the user may adjust the lengthof the elastic member 142, 144 to thereby increase the resistance actingon the corresponding leg as described above. Similarly, the thickness ofthe elastic members 142, 144 may be varied by the user to increase theresistance applied thereto. In one non-limiting example, the elasticmembers 142, 144 may be replaceable with elastic members of differentresistance. In this configuration, the loops 146 may have a couplinglocation positioned thereon wherein the user can uncouple the elasticmembers 142, 144 from the respective loops 146 and the respective firstand second coupling location 106, 107 to substitute elastic members 142,144 with more or less resistance. Further still, in another embodimentmultiple elastic members 142, 144 may be added to the first and secondelastic members 142, 144 to increase the resistance experienced by theuser.

The elastic members 142, 144 may be formed of any material known in theart that allows elastic deformation at variable resistance. In otherwords, the elastic members 142, 144 may be made of rubber or any othersimilarly deformable material. Further still, the elastic members 142,144 may utilize springs or the like to achieve similar resistanceproperties as those described herein. Accordingly, this disclosureconsiders utilizing any type of material or configuration capable ofachieving variable resistance to movement of the user as the exerciseapparatus 100 is pushed in the forward direction.

The exercise apparatus 100 may also have a handle assembly 148 coupledto the frame member 108. The handle assembly 148 may have a plurality ofgripping location positioned thereon and provide a location for the userto push the exercise apparatus in a backward direction opposite theforward direction 128. The handle assembly 148 may be selectivelyrepositionable at a plurality of heights relative to the frame member108 to provide the user with several additional pushing orientations.Further, the handle assembly 148 may also have corresponding couplinglocations 150, 152 wherein the elastic members 142, 144 may be coupledto the frame member 108 in an orientation that corresponds with theuser's position when utilizing the handle assembly 148. In other words,in addition to utilizing the grip bars 110, 111 and the couplinglocations 106, 107 on the adjustable member 105 to push the exerciseapparatus in the forward direction 128, the user may also utilize theelastic members 142, 144 coupled to the coupling locations 150, 152 topush the sled in a backward direction with the handle assembly 148.

In yet another aspect of this disclosure, the user may utilize couplinglocations 151, 153 to couple the elastic members 142, 144 to the framemember 108. In this configuration, the elastic members 142, 144 mayprovide a resistive force in a direction that that differs from thecoupling locations 106, 107. In yet another aspect of this disclosure,an elastic member may be coupled to each of the coupling locations 106,107, 151, 153 and further coupled to the user's legs. In one aspect ofthis example, elastic members may extend from each coupling location 153and 107 to one of the user's legs and be coupled thereto with the sameloop 146. Similarly, elastic members may extend from each couplinglocation 151 and 106 to the other of the user's legs and be coupledthereto with the same loop 146. Alternatively, each coupling location106, 107, 151, 153 may be coupled to the user's leg utilizing a separateloop 146 at a separate location on the user's leg.

In one non-exclusive method of operating the exercise apparatus 100, theuser stands directly behind the apparatus 100, and has each of their twolower extremities coupled to the respective first and second elasticmember 142, 144 at a location consistent with the predetermined mode ofoperation and corresponding muscles targeted for conditioning. Theadjustable member 105 may adjust both the height and width of thecoupling locations 106, 107 to provide proper spacing for the dimensionsof the user. Each of the individual second ends of said elastic membersare then coupled to the adjustable member 105 at the correspondingcoupling locations 106, 107. At this point, the user is effectivelycoupled to the apparatus 100 by the elastic members 142, 144.

After the user is coupled to the exercise apparatus 100 via the elasticmembers 142, 144, the user may proceed to firmly grasp each of the firstand second grip bars 110, 111 and begin a forward-marching stride. Asthe user moves forward, they apply a force in the forward direction 128onto the grip bars 110, 111. As the forward force is applied to the gripbars 110, 111, the frame member 108 moves along the underlying surface120 via the ground engaging mechanisms 112, 113. Further, in addition tothe frictional resistance of the exercise apparatus 100 imposed by theground engaging mechanisms 112, 113, a variable-tension resistance isapplied independently to each of the user's lower extremities throughthe elastic members 142, 144. More specifically, the elastic members142, 144 may apply a variable resistance throughout at least a portionof the respective range of motion as the user proceeds to stride forwardand change support from one foot to the other. At this point, as akick-off foot extends backward, the elastic member 142, 144 attached toits respective leg starts to stretch, therefore creating a forward pullof increasing tension as the anchor foot moves toward a backwardextension. At substantially the same time, the user must control theopposing foot as it is repositioned towards the exercise apparatus 100.As the opposing foot is oriented closer to the exercise apparatus 100,the user will experience a decreasing forward-pulling force exerted onthe opposing foot by the respective elastic member 142, 144.

This varying load acting on the user's legs by the elastic members 142,144 causes the corresponding muscles to constantly readjust at everypoint during a pushing function. The variable resistance applied by theelastic member 142, 144 may provide a workout function that leads toincreased muscle stability, proper mobility, and superior motorpatterns, which ultimately safeguards the body against injuries stemmingfrom bad form. Operation of the exercise apparatus 100 may focus onconditioning the glute and hamstring muscles among others for speed andpower, but modified forms of operation will vary the magnitude in whichother muscles forming part of the posterior chain muscle group areimpacted. In short, the implementation of the elastic members 142, 144allows the user to engage in more efficient conditioning.

While FIG. 1 presents an embodiment with an adjustable member 105, thisdisclosure is not limited to this embodiment. Other embodiments mayinclude modified positioning of the coupling locations 106, 107 at evenlower positions. In one non-limiting example, the coupling locations106, 107 may be repositionable to a level to match a user's ankles inorder to couple an elastic member thereto. Accordingly, this disclosureconsiders providing coupling locations for the elastic members 142, 144that correspond with any portion of the user's body and it is notlimited to the particular positions described herein.

While this disclosure has been described with respect to at least oneembodiment, the present disclosure can be further modified within thespirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is thereforeintended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosureusing its general principles. Further, this application is intended tocover such departures from the present disclosure as come within knownor customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains andwhich fall within the limits of the appended claims.

1. A movable sled configured to be pushed by a user, comprising: a framemember; a ground engaging mechanism coupled to the frame member; and atleast one elastic member coupled on a first end to the frame member andconfigured to be coupled to a user on a second end; wherein, as the usermoves the frame along the underlying surface the elastic member providesresistance to the user.
 2. The movable sled of claim 1, furthercomprising an adjustable member coupled to the frame member, wherein theelastic member is coupled to the frame member through the adjustablemember.
 3. The movable sled of claim 2, further wherein the adjustablemember repositions the elastic member away from the ground engagingmechanism.
 4. The movable sled of claim 3, further wherein theadjustable member repositions the elastic member widthwise relative tothe frame member.
 5. The movable sled of claim 2, further wherein theadjustable member extends from the frame member at an angle between 85degrees and 45 degrees.
 6. The movable sled of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one grip bar coupled to the frame member andextending perpendicular therefrom; wherein the grip bar is positioned toallow the user to move the frame member by applying a pushing force tothe grip bar.
 7. The movable sled of claim 1, further wherein the groundengaging mechanism is a skid plate.
 8. The movable sled of claim 1,further comprising at least one weight coupler coupled to the framemember and configured to position a weighted plate thereon.
 9. Themovable sled of claim 1, further wherein the second end of the elasticmember has a loop sized to be positioned around a user's leg.
 10. A sledworkout system, comprising: a sled frame assembly having a groundengaging mechanism positioned thereon and configured to move along anunderlying surface; a first and second elastic member coupled to thesled frame assembly on a first end and configured to be coupled to legsof a user on a second end; and a grip point on the sled frame assemblypositioned to allow a user to push the sled frame assembly along theunderlying surface through contact at the grip point; wherein, as theuser moves the sled frame assembly along the underlying surface, thefirst and second elastic member provide additional resistance to thelegs of the user.
 11. The sled workout system of claim 10, furtherwherein the first and second elastic members are coupled to the sledframe assembly through an adjustable member, wherein the adjustablemember is repositionable to reposition the first ends of the first andsecond elastic member relative to the sled frame assembly.
 12. The sledworkout system of claim 11, further wherein the adjustable member isrepositionable to reposition the first ends of the first and secondelastic member away from the ground engaging mechanisms.
 13. The sledworkout system of claim 11, further wherein the adjustable member isrepositionable to reposition the first ends of the first and secondelastic member away from one another.
 14. The sled workout system ofclaim 11, wherein the first and second elastic members are removable andconfigured to exert adjustable loads on the user by substituting elasticmembers of higher or lower resistance.
 15. The sled workout system ofclaim 11, further comprising a handle assembly removably coupled to thesled frame assembly.
 16. The sled workout system of claim 15, whereinsaid handle assembly further comprises a plurality of handles coupled tothe frame member.
 17. An athletic conditioning method, comprising thesteps of: providing a sled having a frame, at least one ground engagingmechanism, and a first and second resistance member coupled to theframe; instructing a user to couple the first resistance member to theuser's first leg and to couple the second resistance member to theuser's second leg; instructing the user to move said frame by exertingan applied force on the frame; and positioning the first and secondresistance member to resist movement of the user's first and second legaway from the sled frame.
 18. The athletic conditioning method of claim17, further comprising providing an adjustable member and coupling thefirst and second resistance member to the frame through the adjustablemember.
 19. The athletic conditioning method of claim 18, furthercomprising adjusting the height of the adjustable member to correlatewith a about knee height of the user.
 20. The athletic condition methodof claim 17, further comprising adjusting the width of the adjustablemember to correlate with a hip width of the user.